Arsenal complete Cazorla signing from Málaga
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
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Arsenal FC have completed the signing of Spanish international Santi Cazorla from Málaga CF for an undisclosed fee, with the midfielder agreeing terms on a long-term contract.
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Arsenal FC have signed Spanish international midfielder Santi Cazorla on a long-term contract from Málaga CF.
The Gunners have paid an undisclosed fee for the 27-year-old, who arrives in England after scoring nine goals in 38 Liga appearances for Málaga last term. Cazorla had joined Málaga in July 2011 from Villarreal CF in a move thought to be worth €22m. He has registered six times in 45 games for Spain and featured twice as a substitute as La Roja triumphed at UEFA EURO 2012.
"I'm so happy to be joining Arsenal," he said. "This is a club with great players, a fantastic stadium and huge support. The club have one of the best managers in football and their style of play is recognised and admired all over the world. I'm so excited to be joining one of the greatest teams in Europe and also in the Premier League. I will do my best to help Arsenal challenge for trophies and make the supporters happy."
Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger added: "Santi Cazorla is a great signing for us. He is a player with good experience at club and international level, who will add significant quality to our squad. He is a versatile, attacking midfield player who can play comfortably on either side of the pitch or centrally. He has good pace, is technically gifted and will be a huge asset to Arsenal. We are delighted he is joining us."
It is not all good news for Arsenal as midfielder and Czech Republic captain Tomáš Rosický has been ruled out for at least a month because of an Achilles tendon problem. The 31-year-old former AC Sparta Praha and Borussia Dortmund man has scored 20 goals in 87 appearances for his country and will be missed when they kick off their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in Denmark on 8 September.
"Tomáš is definitely not going to be available for the first World Cup qualifier in Denmark in September," national coach Michal Bílek told a press conference on Monday. "Of course the injury has made him unhappy, but we never spoke about the possibility of him quitting the national team. We will see how he recovers and we hope he can join the team for the games following Denmark."
